RSV activity surges across Latin America, sparking child deaths in Panama and rising cases in Chile

RSV child deaths Panama Chile vaccination

Panama's Ministry of Health reported 13 deaths among children this year from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), eight of them under two years old, with the Ngäbe Buglé region accounting for nearly a third of the fatalities. Health officials urged vaccination of pregnant women and the elderly, and immediate medical attention for infants showing severe breathing difficulties.

In Chile, epidemiological surveillance for week 29 (19‑25 July 2026) showed RSV as the leading respiratory virus, responsible for 22.9% of detections, up from 17% the previous week. The virus’s circulation rose among children under four, while influenza A fell. National influenza vaccination coverage stood at 78.1%, and RSV monoclonal‑antibody immunisation reached 97.4% of the target groups.

Other Latin American health authorities highlighted the broader seasonal surge. Paraguay and Argentina warned of low flu‑vaccine uptake among high‑risk groups, and the Valencian Community in Spain approved a €32.1 million purchase of 70 000 RSV antibody doses for the 2026‑2027 campaign. Regional health services across the area continue to stress hand‑washing, ventilation, and prompt medical care to curb the spread.

Entities: Chile · Jorge Vilches · Miguel Barrachina · Ministry of Health (Chile) · Ministry of Health (Panama) · Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) · Valentina Pino · Yelkys Gil

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Eight of the Panama RSV deaths were children under two years old. (Panama Ministry of Health data)
[● 2 SOURCES] 13 children died in Panama in 2026 from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). (Panama Ministry of Health reports)
[● 2 SOURCES] National influenza vaccination coverage in Chile in 2026 was 78.1%. (Chile Ministry of Health data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Panama, the Ngäbe Buglé region accounted for 30.8% of RSV‑related deaths. (Panama Ministry of Health report)
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Chile's Maule region, severe acute respiratory infection cases rose from 150 to 180 patients in the latest week. (Maule Health Service report)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Valencian Community approved a €32.1 million purchase of 70 000 RSV monoclonal‑antibody doses for the 2026‑2027 campaign. (Consell press release)
[● 4 SOURCES] RSV accounted for 22.9% of detected respiratory viruses in Chile during epidemiological week 29 (19‑25 July 2026). (Chile Ministry of Health weekly report)
[● 2 SOURCES] RSV circulation in Chile increased from 17% to 22.9% between weeks 28 and 29 of 2026. (Chile Ministry of Health epidemiology brief)